Zucchini Zoodles Bowl with Green Veggies and Garlic Scape Pesto

Zoodles Bowl with Green Veggies and Garlic Scape Pesto is a nutrient-packed, refreshing dish that offers a perfect balance of flavor and health benefits.

This vibrant bowl is made with zucchini noodles (commonly known as zoodles), an assortment of fresh green vegetables, and a flavorful garlic scape pesto.

It’s a great alternative to traditional pasta, offering a low-carb, gluten-free option that’s light, delicious, and full of color.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, dinner, or meal prep idea, this dish is sure to impress.

The Beauty of This Delicious Dish

What makes the Zoodles Bowl with Green Veggies and Garlic Scape Pesto so special is its combination of fresh ingredients and rich flavors.

Zoodles, made from spiralized zucchini, are the perfect base for this dish because they’re light and easy to prepare while providing a satisfying texture similar to pasta.

The garlic scape pesto adds a burst of garlicky, herbaceous flavor that ties the whole dish together, making each bite flavorful and refreshing.

Additionally, this bowl is packed with green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, peas, and asparagus, providing a variety of textures, flavors, and nutrients.

The vibrant green colors make the dish visually appealing, while the abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants make it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Best of all, the recipe is completely customizable, allowing you to adjust the vegetables and toppings to suit your preferences.

Ingredients 

To make a delicious dish, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients for both the zoodle base and the pesto sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Zoodles and Veggies:

• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into zoodles
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup asparagus, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: avocado, green beans, or any other green veggies you like

For the Garlic Scape Pesto:

• 1/2 cup garlic scapes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Toasted pine nuts
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves or microgreens

Step by Step

Making the Zoodles Bowl with Green Veggies and Garlic Scape Pesto is easy and doesn’t require much cooking time. Follow these simple steps to create this refreshing and nutrient-packed dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Zoodles

Start by spiralizing the zucchinis into zoodles using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can also use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of zucchini. Place the zoodles in a bowl and set aside.

If you prefer warm zoodles, you can sauté them lightly in olive oil for 2-3 minutes. However, if you want a fresher, raw version of the bowl, leave the zoodles as they are.

Step 2: Cook the Green Veggies

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets, asparagus, and a pinch of salt. Sauté the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, or until they’re tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.

Add the green peas and spinach to the skillet, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the peas are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and set the vegetables aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Scape Pesto

While the veggies are cooking, prepare the garlic scape pesto. In a food processor, combine the garlic scapes, basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan version). Pulse the ingredients a few times until everything is finely chopped.

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Add the lemon juice, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil or lemon juice to thin it out.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Once all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your dish.Divide the zoodles into bowls, and top them with the sautéed green vegetables. Drizzle the garlic scape pesto generously over the veggies and zoodles, ensuring every bite is infused with the vibrant, garlicky flavor.

Step 5: Add Optional Toppings

To finish the dish, you can add any optional toppings you like. Toasted pine nuts add extra crunch, while grated Parmesan provides a salty, umami kick.

Fresh basil leaves or microgreens give the dish a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you enjoy spicy food.

Tips for Making 

Here are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time:

• Choose fresh zucchini: For the best zoodles, use fresh, firm zucchini. Avoid zucchinis that are too soft or have wrinkled skin, as they may not spiralize as well.
• Don’t overcook the veggies: When sautéing the green vegetables, make sure not to overcook them. You want them to retain their bright color and a slight crunch to add texture to the dish.
• Adjust the pesto consistency: If your garlic scape pesto is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more olive oil or a splash of water. If it’s too thin, add a bit more Parmesan cheese or nuts to thicken it up.
• Serve immediately: Zoodles can become watery if they sit for too long, so it’s best to serve the dish immediately after assembling. If you need to prepare the components ahead of time, store the zoodles and veggies separately and assemble the bowl just before serving.

Variations 

One of the great things about this dish is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

Vegan Zoodles Bowl

To make this recipe completely vegan, simply use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese in the garlic scape pesto. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, nutty flavor without the dairy, making it a great option for those following a plant-based diet.

Protein-Packed

For an extra boost of protein, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or even a soft-boiled egg on top of the zoodles bowl. This makes the dish more filling and satisfying while maintaining its light and healthy feel.

Spicy Bowl

If you enjoy a little heat, spice up your dish by adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto or sautéing the veggies with a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also top the bowl with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Mediterranean-Inspired

For a Mediterranean twist, swap the garlic scape pesto with a sun-dried tomato pesto or add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. You can also incorporate roasted red peppers and a sprinkle of oregano for a more Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions 

Is a versatile dish that can be served on its own as a light, nutritious meal, or paired with other dishes for a more complete dining experience. Here are a few serving ideas:

• As a light lunch: Serve the zoodles bowl as a refreshing and light lunch on its own. The pesto and veggies provide plenty of flavor and nutrition, making it perfect for a midday meal.
• With grilled protein: Pair the bowl with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to add more protein and make the meal heartier.
• As a side dish: Serve the zoodles bowl as a side dish alongside other mains like grilled salmon or roasted vegetables for a balanced, veggie-packed meal.

A Fresh and Flavorful Dish

For a healthy, vibrant meal that’s packed with fresh flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients, look no further than the Zoodles Bowl.

This dish combines the lightness of zucchini noodles with the bold, garlicky pesto and a variety of green vegetables, creating a bowl that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying.

Whether you're making it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this dish is a flavorful way to enjoy a nutritious, plant-based meal.

Enjoy this Easy video Tutorial

Source: Lady Lee's Home

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